Black History Month 2012

This month we celebrate the history and achievements of African-Americans.
We celebrate the contributions large and small made by the descendants of
Africans. Contributions that have made our State and our Country great.
Black History Month is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the rich
heritage, culture, and history of African-Americans and in so doing
eliminate some of the barriers that often divide us as a Nation.
Millions of African-Americans throughout history have made this Nation, the Country
that we as Americans love and cherish dearly.
From the courageous and patriotic efforts of so many African-Americans throughout our
history. From the heroes whose names are so familiar
Harriet Tubman, Jesse Owens, Rosa Parks and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Buffalo Soldiers
as well from ordinary people who have accomplish extraordinary feats.
America's great because of the many accomplishments and sacrifices of
African-Americans.
Throughout the course of our Nation's history many people of many different
backgrounds, experiences, religious beliefs, ethnicity, and nationality have made
contributions in this land of opportunity.
In Maryland we recognize that our diversity is our greatest strength
and there is much more that unites us than divides us.
Frederick Douglass, a great Marylander, who stated 160 years ago in front of a diverse audience,
"remember that we are one. That our cause is one thing that we must help each other
if we would succeed."
So as we celebrate Black History Month, let us also we commit ourselves to one
another for the benefit of each other.